Acceptance. It’s what we want, but do we offer it? Instead, we tend to exasperate those who see life differently than we do.

We’re all different. It may not seem like it, but none of us share the exact experiences that would make us the same. Some came from a comfortable home life and solid family of origin, while others struggled with empty bellies and absentee parents.

We may look the same, go to the same schools or even read the same books. But a time comes … something happens … then POW out of nowhere, differences appear.

Our feelings get hurt, or we hurt someone else’s feelings. It’s sad, really. Because we are not the same and inevitably, diversity in how we think or see the world appear.

The answer: Celebrate differences! Learn from one another. Because really, who else do we learn from than those who are different than us?

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 NIV

Never has a phase brought more comfort.

Try to think of something not included. Fear of not having enough money? Covered.

Upset with what others are saying about you? Don’t let it get between you and your Heavenly Father. That’s covered, too.

Maybe you’re fretting over (yes, I’m going there) the political climate of the day. While it may hurt your heart and make you sad to see people fighting over commentaries on either side of the aisle, know for a fact that all their chest-pounding or fear-mongering does not have the power to separate you from God’s love. So take a deep breath and know God’s already fought your battle and won!

If you’re not feeling all that confident, drop me a note at robin@robinlufitg.com and let’s talk about it.

We should not be afraid or surprised at the current events. People hating each other, calling those who used to be good friends terrible names. Everywhere we look we see abuse. First, it was politicians, then Hollywood businessmen and entertainers. The self-importance that once held them apart has now turned to ugliness. And today I read a prominent Christian college president was fired due to his handling of a sex abuse allegation.

As I watch 2017 fill the rearview mirror, I couldn’t let the year end without thanking you all—each one of you—for all your likes, comments and follows. A blogger isn’t a blogger unless their words are read.

Coal mining in the 20th century many times included taking a caged canary into the depths underground. These birds were sensitive to carbon monoxide, a potentially deadly gas devoid of color, taste or smell, that often formed in the mines. A dead bird in the cage meant the miners needed to be alert–deadly conditions were at hand.

Watching the political and social banter over the past weeks has been telling. Pointing fingers and one-upping one another takes front and center stage while pressing issues such as safety of our children and the security of our future have been left untouched.

Hearts are breaking while this happens. Children watch and learn that the person who shouts the loudest is right–never mind seeking Truth.

I think the Canary has stopped singing. Please, let’s heed the issues at hand that are killing us. We still have time.

Judges, 21:25, “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.”

While my heart broke and I wept for the lost in Texas, Lori Roeleveld’s latest post brought peace and clarity to my soul. Her pin-pointed focus always rings true for me. I love this woman as a mentor, guide, and inspiration. But she is also a dear friend.

Please, don’t wait another moment. Read her thoughts on the terror left behind from an evil act in Texas.

But she also understands depression from the inside out. She’s dealt with her own depression and found that no matter how dark it gets … hope prevails. She published Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression last year to rave reviews and is now offering her newest book, Hope Prevails Bible Study, being released October 25th.

Watch for it! You can also follow Michelle and learn more about both books, Hope Prevails and Hope Prevails Bible Study at http://drmichellebengtson.com/.

It’s official. I’ve signed a contract with Cyle Young at Hartline Literary Agency

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A bit about Robin …

In 2009, Robin founded Renew Ministries, sharing with spiritually- and emotionally-broken men and women that God has a plan for their lives that includes healing. It's not too late! No matter what you've done or how much time has passed, God still loves you and wants a relationship with you.